Innovation is a critical part of modern medicine. Dr. Gilmer is constantly learning and creating ways to improve care for his patients and other surgeons.
Consulting
Arthrex, Inc.
Dr. Gilmer serves as a consultant for Arthrex, Inc, an orthopedic device and implant manufacturer based in Naples, Florida. In this role he teaches other surgeons about novel techniques and devices in arthroscopic surgery. He feels strongly that in order to push the frontier of orthopedic and arthroscopic surgery forward, surgeons must partner with device companies to help them perfect their products. This improves outcomes for patients. Dr. Gilmer receives no royalties or payments of any kind for using Arthrex’s (or any other company’s) devices in his own patients, and also receives no payments if other physicians use (or don’t use) those devices. He is only reimbursed for his time spent teaching, or for consulting on improving certain procedures or devices. In deciding which devices to use for a particular patient’s surgery, Dr. Gilmer chooses the best available products for that patient’s particular problem. He has no conflict of interest, as he gains nothing from using (or not using) any company’s products.
For more information about Arthrex and their role in the manufacturing of implants used in knee surgery please Click here
There are also many useful resources on sports medicine and surgical procedures which can be found at www.orthoillustrated.com and https://www.orthopedia.com/
The following video is a panel discussion including Dr. Gilmer and colleagues regarding the development and use of a new minimally invasive camera for arthroscopic knee surgery and sports medicine.
Miach Orthopaedics, Inc.
In April of 2024, after several years of clinical experience with the BEAR implant, Dr. Gilmer became a paid consultant for Miach Orthopaedics, Inc. Miach is the company that produces the BEAR implant which is used in some cases of ACL repair to improve the clinical results. More information about Miach Orthopaedics, Inc. can be found on the company’s website: https://miachortho.com/about-us/our-company/
Allosource
I am a paid consultant for AlloSource, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing allografts-tissues donated for transplantation-to help heal patients. AlloSource is a leader in the industry, developing and distributing various types of bone, skin, and soft tissue allografts used in a range of medical procedures.
My recommendations regarding grafts for ACL surgery and other knee reconstruction surgeries are based on individual patient and injury-specific characteristics. I do not intentionally recommend allografts from AlloSource; however, I do support and believe in their mission to save and improve lives through tissue donation.
The companies that procure the donor tissues used in these procedures vary by facility and are generally not dependent on the surgeon. As such, the specific graft company involved may depend on the location of your surgery.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please notify me or the team. In most cases where allograft tissue is required, there is an option to complete a card that will be sent to the donor’s family to express gratitude for their generous gift. I encourage everyone to consider donation if it aligns with their values, and to be grateful for the donors whose gifts give new life to others.
Conmed/Linvatec
I serve as a consultant for ConMed/Linvatec, an orthopedic implant manufacturer. In this role, I provide input based on my clinical experience to help advance surgical techniques and implant technology. This relationship supports ongoing innovation in patient care but does not influence the medical recommendations or treatment plans I provide to my patients. You can learn more about ConMed/Linvatec by visiting their website: www.conmed.com
Breg
I also serve as a consultant for Breg, a company that designs and manufactures orthopedic bracing, cold therapy devices, and other rehabilitation products that support patients during recovery from injury or surgery. My involvement helps provide clinical perspective on product use and development. As with all consulting relationships, this does not influence the medical advice or treatment decisions I make for my patients. To learn more about Breg, please visit www.breg.com
Complete Surgical Nutrition
I also want to disclose a conflict of interest regarding my recommendation of products from Complete Surgical Nutrition. As an orthopaedic surgeon, I prioritize optimizing patient outcomes, including the role of nutrition in surgical recovery. Medical literature supports the benefits of perioperative nutrition in enhancing healing and reducing complications. For instance, studies have shown that appropriate nutritional support can improve wound healing and decrease infection rates (Braga et al., 2002; Weimann et al., 2017).
While there are various ways to supplement and optimize nutrition, I recommend Complete Surgical Nutrition because it simplifies the regimen for my patients. However, it is important to note that these supplements are not strictly necessary and do not alter my surgical or treatment plans.
I am committed to transparency and want to ensure my patients are fully informed about this disclosure. For more information about the company, please visit their website: Complete Surgical Nutrition.
The Sunshine Act and Open Payments Database
In the interest of promoting overall transparency in healthcare, I would also like to bring your attention to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments Search Tool. This valuable resource allows you to view any payments or other transfers of value that healthcare providers, including physicians and teaching hospitals, have received from the medical industry. You can access the CMS Open Payments Search Tool by visiting the following link: [CMS Open Payments Search Tool]. This initiative is part of the Sunshine Act, a healthcare law designed to increase transparency in the healthcare industry. The Sunshine Act requires manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics that participate in federal healthcare programs to report certain payments and items of value given to physicians and teaching hospitals. The goal of the Sunshine Act and the CMS Open Payments Search Tool is to provide patients with a clearer understanding of the relationships between healthcare providers and the medical industry. We believe that transparency in these relationships is key to maintaining trust and ensuring the highest standards of care.
I would encourage you to explore this tool and use it as part of your informed healthcare decisions. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions about this.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) also maintains a database of conflicts of interest for all surgeons who are members of the AAOS, including myself. You can look up any physician by using the link below
https://disclosure.aaos.org/search
Abanza
I serve as a consultant and Surgical Design Team member for ABANZA, an orthopedic medical device company focused on soft-tissue fixation. I may receive compensation, equity, or royalties related to this work. This relationship does not influence my medical recommendations or treatment decisions.
